Fully Accredited Judges A fully accredited AIS judge is any currently approved judge in the following categories: Garden/Exhibition (G/E), Senior (S), Master (M), and Overseas (OS).

Eligibility for this important position is based not only on the completion of the apprentice requirements, but continuous AIS membership as well. To maintain accreditation, the judge must maintain his/her AIS membership, vote the official ballot, attend training sessions, serve as a tutor for apprentices and complete the annual regional activity report. Additional requirements established by the region must also be met.

Garden/Exhibition Judges: Garden/Exhibition judges must complete courses and tutoring sessions that total five hours (two hours must be in-garden training) during each three-year period, and each judge must attend at least one judges' training school during the three-year period. To receive credit, Garden/Exhibition judges must take and pass a written examination on each judges' training school.

Failure to vote the official ballot in a timely manner for two consecutive years results in automatic disqualification as a judge. Failure to submit a timely Activity Report for two consecutive years results in automatic disqualification as a judge. It is the responsibility of the RVP to report any other unsatisfactory performance which could result in the disqualification of the judge.

Senior Judges: A person who has served the Society as a judge for fifteen years is elevated to the status of Senior Judge. These fifteen years are counted from the time the judge is first approved by the AIS Board of Directors as an Apprentice. If there is an interruption in service, the judge does not lose the years served before the interruption. Senior judges are required to earn credit totaling three hours (one hour must be in-garden training) during each three-year period. This credit must be earned by attending or teaching an approved judging school.